Tuesday, April 14 marks National Library Workers Day. First celebrated in 2004, the day acknowledges all library employees, including librarians, support staff, and others who play a vital role in connecting library users with the information and critical technology resources needed to transform lives through education and lifelong learning. These library professionals make library service possible every day in all types of libraries, including academic, public, school, government, and special libraries.
To honor them, the American Library Association–Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) gathered testimonials about library workers from all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and some international libraries, and posted them as a “Galaxy of Stars” on the National Library Workers Day page. Here are just a few of the people mentioned there:
“Lori Dekydtspotter, from an academic library in Bloomington, Indiana, works quietly but effectively behind the scenes to bring some of the greatest treasures of the bibliographic world to public attention. She has dedicated her professional life to helping people find the materials that they need to complete their research and study and she has personally taught and mentored dozens of others in this sacred quest. And she is gracious, generous, and fun to be around.”
“Viviane Peavey, from a public library in Iola, Kansas, works so hard and is able to keep everything in line. She wears many hats. One is for Iola Public and one for Southeast Kansas Library System. She is always there when needed and is always first to offer her assistance. She is very devoted to her position and goes above and beyond her call of duty. She has even been a handy-lady on occasion when the need has arisen. She is the friendly voice on the phone that helps our outlying libraries and gets the job done. She brings a smile (to work) every day.”
“Deb Wyffels, from a special library in Geneseo, Illinois, is extremely creative and teaches a card-making class. She devised a system for the library to hang quilts and pictures from the Geneseo Art League. In addition, she is very exact and is an excellent cataloger, and good with the patrons and the members of the community. We told Deb that she can never retire. What would we do?? Please look at our web page—Deb designed it. We are very fortunate to have her, and she is deserving of any library service award.”
“Linda Williams, from a government library in Willimantic, Connecticut, is a Star because she provides children’s librarians across Connecticut with information they need before they know they need it. She cheerfully responds to every email request in a timely manner and is extremely knowledgeable in the field of children’s and young adult literature.”
